Failures and Successes

I know this post title already sounds depressing. But it's not.

These are things I know I can acknowledge that I failed at. I have thought about it, and happily moved on.

I totally forgot to blog twice last month... I think. That was a new years resolution and I missed it! Thats okay. I will try again this month!

Also, I had a really weak moment last week and failed on the "giving up desserts" thing for lent. Those dang Shamrock Shakes get me!!! Thats okay. I did fairly well for 2 weeks... okay, maybe that was 1.5 weeks.

However, success!!! I finished my first book of the year! (in the middle of crazy cookie season too!)
I finished the book Unbroken, about Louis Zamperini. It was GOOD. I actually started this book last summer but had a hard time getting into it. But a week ago, I realized I should try some sleep hygiene habits, and one was to read a book rather than your phone before bed. Then I was engulfed in this book, and stayed up till 230am like I'm in my twenties or something. This guy has lived through such tragic situations and survived and lived a very long life!! Its a good read and highly suggested. As usual, the book is better than the movie.

Lent

Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday.

Alistair and I went to Mass in the morning, received our ashes and were reminded that one day, we will be ash as well. I forgot it was there most of the day. I went to pick up Elyse from dance, and her ballet teacher went up to me, grabbed my hand and said "you're so good for going. I need to go there tonight too". I had NO idea what she was talking about and just smiled.

Walking to the car I was perplexed. Was she talking about the gym? On occasion I will run into a vaguely familiar face, and they will greet me and talk to me as though we've met. I can't say I've gotten better at pretending I remember. Then  I will see them in my class at the gym the next week. So I thought... do I look like I went to the gym??

I got in the car, and saw my ashes in the mirror and the light bulb went off. Church. She meant Church.

I hate to say it, but Lent creeped up on me this year. Being the start was on Valentine's Day and on a week Cole was gone. My life was busier than normal. But I couldn't decide between no treats (cookies, candy, cakes, cupcakes, etc) and no shopping (random things I decide I need, like clothes, books, stuff...). But groceries, gas, food, minimal family entertainment being okay. Two things that would be hard for me to give up, but at the same time good for our family. So I picked both.

So far, so good. Lent is 40 days and nights from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Not including Sundays. Sundays are a day of rest. I could have chosen to add something to my life instead of a sacrifice, but honestly, one more thing in my schedule, while my husband is gone, is more than I think I can handle right now.  (plus no meat on Fridays!?)

Girl Scout Cookie Time

Did I mention, Elyse is a Daisy this year?

Whats a Daisy? - First level of Girl Scouts(the one before Brownies)(K-1st grade)

Yours truly is one of her Troop Leaders. Yes, I added MORE to my already busy workload... for free. I do not get paid for the 10hrs a week I dedicate to planning meetings, and figuring out cookies, and staying on top of paper work, and planning crafts and getting badges.

Since we all think "what do I get out of it?" is that I get to have some extra time with my girl. She is definitely proud that her mommy is one of the leaders. Not only that, 3 other of the daisies in her troop are also in her class!! Plus, 2 others go to her school(all in 1st grade) and another is one of her closest friends growing up(Ellie)! The girls play "girl scouts" at recess now and it made all the volunteer work worth it! We truly have an awesome group of 9 girls!!! (yes 9!!)

That being said, the other troop leader(we are co-leaders) and I have spent the better part of January growing grey hairs, stressing over the cookie sales. There are a lot more logistics involved than I realized! Our original plan was "ehhh if they sell, great. If not, no biggie". Then we got the FACTS! Daises typically sell the most cookies. Why?? They are cute, little and this is likely the first year friends and family are getting hit up for cookies! So we were encouraged to give it a go... so we did.

Elyse even spent time writing a script, memorizing lines and having me film her for her cookie video posted on her site. She was VERY proud of it!

If you order online, and have it shipped, cookies will get to you in 2-10 business days. If you choose "girl - delivered" they will not get to you until roughly 2/19. We get the boxes to deliver on 2/18. So with the shipping cost, you get cookies early!

Let me know if you are interested and I will send you the link!

New Year, New Goals

So I love to make goals.

Even if I don't end up accomplishing them in the time frame I had hoped, or at all.
These are my goals to 2018:

- Do 3 New things
- Complete a fitness program
- Blog 2 times a month (at min)
- Read 3 books
- find a happy work/life balance
- Lose 20lbs.... okay 10... or 5..
- stop trying to make everyone else like me (professionally and personally)
- cuddle more

Goals from last year that I know I completed:

- become a Catholic
- Pass my Personal Training Exam
- continue my fitness education (Zumba, Strong and gold)
- try 3 new things (tubing, Cove bar, teaching at a gym)
- going to the Dr when im sick